Overview
- Ursula von der Leyen will speak in Strasbourg on Wednesday, Sept. 16, to present the Commission's priorities and her plan for the year ahead.
- The speech is expected to address artificial intelligence, climate and this summer's fires, online child protection, Russia's war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, and rising trade tensions.
- The Commission has kept the full text secret while circulating a dedicated website and brochures that list recent achievements such as new trade deals, energy-cost measures, higher defence spending, billions in support for Ukraine, and expanded sanctions on Russian targets.
- Brussels insiders warn the address is both a policy roadmap and a staged political message with political groups lobbying to shape its contents and critics saying von der Leyen may use it to raise the Commission's profile and broad powers.
- Expect Ukraine to feature prominently with possible mentions of fresh defence support, the EU's largest-ever sanctions package and appeals for international pledges as the bloc balances budget debates and practical steps to protect energy and export routes.